OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The Omaha Police Department and Nebraska State Patrol have air units they use to support those working on the ground. In order to keep communities safe their equipment needs to be up to date.
For those who have been in law enforcement for decades they say a lot has changed over the years, especially when it comes to technology, so they come to an annual conference to see all of the new advancements.
The Airborne Public Safety Association conference starts with a presenting of the colors and a ribbon cutting. It's a first for Omaha to host aerial experts from 38 states and nine different countries. "It gives us a really good opportunity to see what's out there, what's the new technology, how can we better our job and then how can we provide better service to the city,” said Sergeant. Allen Straub, Air Wing Commander with the Omaha Police Department.
With the latest and greatest in technology. “Anything you can think of that would go on a helicopter or an airplane to help airborne law enforcement or airborne firefighters do their job,” said Airborne Public Safety Association President, Steve Roussell.
But this conference isn't all about supporting those in the air, it's about supporting those on the ground and those in the communities they serve. “We're making a difference from a different angle, from a different perspective and like anything it's a force multiplier,” Captain Frank Peck with the Nebraska State Patrol. And learning from different agencies. “There's a different take on how to do that same job in different parts of the country because of geography, because of culture,” said Roussell.
Because at the end of the day it's all about using the best equipment to provide the best service. “I know what it takes to do the job on the street and I know what's needed from a helicopter,” said Straub.
The conference will be held at the CHI Health Center through Saturday.
